WO2007139348A1 - Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving image code - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving image code Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007139348A1
WO2007139348A1 PCT/KR2007/002623 KR2007002623W WO2007139348A1 WO 2007139348 A1 WO2007139348 A1 WO 2007139348A1 KR 2007002623 W KR2007002623 W KR 2007002623W WO 2007139348 A1 WO2007139348 A1 WO 2007139348A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
service
code
image code
text
image
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2007/002623
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Cheol-Ho Cheong
Hong-Jun Lee
Kee-Choon Lee
Taek-Jean Kim
Sang-Yong Lee
Original Assignee
Colorzip Media, Inc.
Colorzip Technology Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Colorzip Media, Inc., Colorzip Technology Co., Ltd. filed Critical Colorzip Media, Inc.
Publication of WO2007139348A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007139348A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
    • H04W28/02—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
    • H04W28/06—Optimizing the usage of the radio link, e.g. header compression, information sizing, discarding information

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving an image code, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for transmitting image codes corresponding to a variety of services to a personal mobile terminal.
  • mobile devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia player (PMPs), MP3 players, and digital cameras are being widely used. Instead of providing one function, such mobile devices tend to provide a variety of functions by combining and integrating a plurality of functions.
  • devices such as a cell phone, a PDA, and a PMP, are multi-functional high performance devices that provide a variety of functions, for example, store large size data or explore multimedia contents as well as function as a camera.
  • the mobile device uses an interface technique in which an image is read by a mobile computing device to extract information regarding the image, and the extracted information is used to access an external computer or a server connected to a network in order to receive a specific service.
  • an authentication technique or an e-commerce technique has been developed in which an image is displayed on a screen of the mobile computing device, and a camera or a scanner of another device reads the image.
  • the image displayed on the screen of the mobile computing device is an image code and some examples of the image code include a barcode, a 2-dimensional (2D) barcode, and a color code.
  • the use of the image code displayed on the mobile computing device such as a cell phone or a PDA advantageously results in a variety of services such as a coupon authentication service, a discount service, a user authentication service, a security service, etc.
  • the mobile computing device downloads the image code in an image file format, which has a relatively large data size in comparison to a text file format. Therefore, a cost for downloading the image code is relatively high based on a packet-based billing system.
  • image distortion may occur during the downloading of the image code if the characteristics of the mobile computing device (e.g., distortion possibility caused by a display resolution, a maximum number of displayable colors, etc.) are not proper for the image code.
  • the downloaded file of the image code is simply stored in a storage space where other image files are also stored, and thereby, obstructing a systematic storage space management. Therefore, it is difficult to re-use the storage space.
  • there is a demerit in that a lot of storage space is used when an image code with a large data size is stored. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
  • the present invention provides a method and an apparatus for receiving an image code, whereby the image code, for providing a specific service, is received in a text format instead of an image file format, and the received image code is stored and managed after being categorized according to a service type.
  • the present invention also provides a method and an apparatus for transmitting an image code, whereby a device at a receiving end is authenticated and an image code conversion program is updated when the image code, for providing a specific service, is transmitted after being converted to a text format instead of an image file format.
  • an image code receiving apparatus comprising: a service request unit which request a specific service; a code text receiver which receives a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and a storage unit which determines a service field indicated by the text based on the code value of the received text, and thereafter, stores the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
  • an image code receiving method comprising: requesting a specific service; receiving a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and determining a service field indicated by the text according to the code value of the received text, and thereafter, storing the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
  • an image code transmitting apparatus comprising: a code text generator which generates a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and a program update unit which compares a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmits the latest conversion program to the user terminal.
  • an image code transmitting method comprising: generating a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code assigned to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and comparing a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmitting the latest version of a conversion program to the user terminal.
  • a text corresponding to the image code is transmitted, and a receiving end then receives and stores the text.
  • the receiving end generates an image code corresponding to the text and then displays the image code on a screen. Therefore, the image code can be transmitted and received with a fast speed and at a low cost.
  • An image code has conventionally been transmitted and received between mobile terminals by downloading files, which additionally cost a service fee and a packet price. However, according to the present invention, this additional cost is not applicable since the image code can be transmitted in a text format.
  • FIGS. IA to IE illustrate examples of an image code
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a usage of an image code received through a cell phone
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an image code transmitting method according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FlG. 4 is a block diagram of an image code receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FlG. 5 is a block diagram of an image code transmitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FlG. 6 is a flowchart of an image code transmitting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FlG. 7 illustrates an example of storing a code text in an image code receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FlG. 8 illustrates an example of service fields that can use an image transmission service according to an embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode
  • an image code receiving apparatus comprising: a service request unit which request a specific service; a code text receiver which receives a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and a storage unit which determines a service field indicated by the text based on the code value of the received text, and thereafter, stores the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
  • an image code receiving method comprising: requesting a specific service; receiving a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and determining a service field indicated by the text according to the code value of the received text, and thereafter, storing the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
  • an image code transmitting apparatus comprising: a code text generator which generates a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and a program update unit which compares a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmits the latest conversion program to the user terminal.
  • an image code transmitting method comprising: generating a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code assigned to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and comparing a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmitting the latest version of a conversion program to the user terminal.
  • FIGS. IA to IE illustrate examples of an image code.
  • FIG. IA illustrates a data matrix.
  • FIG. IB illustrates a quick response
  • FIG. 1C illustrates a portable document format (PDF)-417 code.
  • HG. ID illustrates a color code and a gray code.
  • FIG. IE illustrates a mixed code generated by overlaying a color code and a QR code.
  • the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. IA to IE, and thus, other conventional image codes may be used such as a barcode, an inter-code, a cyber code, or the like.
  • the present invention is not limited to an image code, and thus, all types of images that can be displayed in a specific text format may be used, that is, a logo image or various pictures may be used. For convenience of description, the following descriptions assume that an image code is transmitted.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a usage of an image code received through a cell phone.
  • a service page 200 provided by a corresponding server is accessed using a cell phone, and an OK button on the service page 200 is pressed so that a mobile ticket composed of an image code is downloaded to the cell phone, as indicated by screen 210, at the same time that the amusement park ticket has been paid.
  • the downloaded image code may be immediately displayed on a screen of the cell phone, or may be stored in the cell phone for future use, as seen on screen 220.
  • the mobile ticket is stored in a storage space of the cell phone, such as a picture folder, along with other conventional images. Therefore, if the user searches for a desired mobile ticket to use the desired mobile ticket, all images stored in the picture folder have to be sequentially searched, which is inconvenient to the user. Furthermore, if an image code corresponding to the mobile ticket (or a mobile ticket itself) is directly received from a server, traffic may increase in an environment of packet-based communication due to a large sized image file. In order to solve this problem, an image code transmitting method as illustrated in FIG. 3. is applied.
  • FlG. 3 illustrates an example of the image code transmitting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a service is selected by accessing a corresponding server, as indicated by screen 300 in FlG. 3.
  • the corresponding server transmits to a cell phone of the user a service page containing an authentication number (e.g., a purchase number of the amusement park ticket) of a corresponding service using a short message service (SMS) or a multimedia message service (MMS), as indicated by screen 310 in FlG. 3.
  • SMS short message service
  • MMS multimedia message service
  • the user can check the service information displayed on the service page and then can press an OK button so as to request the server to transmit an image code corresponding to the desired service.
  • the server transmits the image code to the cell phone of the user in a text format, instead of transmitting the image code itself, corresponding to the service requested by the user.
  • An additional content server may be used to generate and store information regarding a service and a text corresponding to an image code assigned to the service.
  • the service page includes an address of the content server that is accessed by the cell phone according to the address included in the service page, and thus, a text corresponding to the image code is requested.
  • a program for converting a text to an image code is embedded in the cell phone. If the program does not exit in the cell phone, the program may be downloaded from a server on a real time basis. A program having a latest version of the program for converting a text to an image code may also be downloaded from the server.
  • the cell phone displays the text received using the downloaded program on the screen.
  • the cell phone stores the received text in an additional storage space of the cell phone, and thereafter, optionally displays the text on the screen.
  • FlG. 4 is a block diagram of an image code receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image code receiving apparatus includes a service request unit 400, a code text receiver 410, a storage unit 420, a code image generator 430, and a display unit 440.
  • the image code receiving apparatus may be used for a variety of personal mobile terminals such as cell phones, computers, PDAs, and PMPs.
  • the service request unit 400 accesses a server to request a specific service (e.g., a mobile ticket issuance for an amusement park, a cinema, etc.). Specifically, upon requesting the service, the service request unit 400 receives a service page correspon ding to the service from the server and displays the service. When the user requests a text corresponding to an image code assigned to the service through the service page, the service request unit 400 requests the server to transmit a code text. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the text corresponding to the image code assigned to the service may be directly received from the server without receiving the service page.
  • a specific service e.g., a mobile ticket issuance for an amusement park, a cinema, etc.
  • the service page may include an address of a content server providing the text corresponding to the image code.
  • the service request unit 400 accesses the content server to request the text according to the address included in the service page.
  • the service request unit 400 may transmit program information to the server (e.g., an identification (ID), a program name, a version, a manufacturer, etc.) for updating a conversion program converting a text to an image code along with identification information of the image code receiving apparatus (e.g., a phone number, a media access control (MAC) address, a serial number, user information, a password, etc.), wherein the identification information is used for authentication at the request of service.
  • ID identification
  • MAC media access control
  • the service request unit 400 transmits image code feature information to the server, and the image code feature information contains a code type and color information of an image code to be received.
  • the image code can be transmitted according to a preference of a user.
  • the code text receiver 410 receives the image code corresponding to the requested service in a text format instead of receiving the image code itself. That is, the code text receiver 410 receives the code text in which information (e.g., a code type, a code version, a code value, a code color, background screen information of the image code, etc.) is displayed according to a specific display format.
  • information e.g., a code type, a code version, a code value, a code color, background screen information of the image code, etc.
  • a method of receiving an image code converted to a text is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 2006-36358 (System and method for transmitting image code using text).
  • the storage unit 420 stores the code text received by the code text receiver 410 according to a name, a time, and a user-defined format.
  • the storage unit 420 analyzes the received code text to determine a service field, a validity period of service, and then classifies the received code text according to a classification method selected by the user and stores the code text. If the server transmits the code text by appending additional service information, the storage unit 420 may read the additional information to perform a required classification operation.
  • the service information is general information related to a service. Examples of the service information include information regarding an on-line product, an authentication, a gift certificate, a ticket, a discount coupon, a membership, an event, a product usage, a validity period, a user permission, and so on.
  • the storage unit 420 analyzes a code value of the received code text or receives service information transmitted from the server along with the code text so as to determine information such as a service name of the code text, a service validity period, a date, a frequency of use, a type of service information or the like. Then, according to the determined information, the code text is arranged and stored. The user may rearrange the code text by changing the way of arranging the code text. A search function is provided so that the user can easily use the service.
  • the storage unit 420 stores the code text in a text format in consideration of a storage space.
  • the code text may be stored after being converted to an image code corresponding to the code text.
  • An example of a code text stored in a cell phone after being categorized according to a service field is shown in FlG. 7.
  • the code image generator 430 may convert the code text received by the code text receiver 410 to an image code or may convert a code text, which is selected by the user from the code texts stored in the storage unit 420, to an image code. In this case, the code image generator 430 generates an optimal image code according to environment information (e.g., resolution, color display ability, an image displayable area, etc.) of the image code receiving apparatus.
  • environment information e.g., resolution, color display ability, an image displayable area, etc.
  • the display unit 440 displays the image code generated by the code image generator
  • the display unit 440 may display the image code on a display of an external device that is wired or wirelessly connected such as a television (TV) set, a monitor, an electronic bulletin board, a beam projector, or the like.
  • the display unit 440 may be connected to a variety of printing devices so as to print the image code on a physical medium such as a metal medium or a plastic medium.
  • the storage unit 420 and the code image generator 430 may be realized using a conversion program.
  • the image code receiving apparatus downloads the conversion program from the server. Even when the conversion program exists, latest version information of the conversion program may be transmitted to the server so that the latest conversion program can be downloaded from the server.
  • the image code receiving apparatus may store the service page or may transmit the service page to another new image code receiving apparatus using an SMS/MMS.
  • the new image code receiving apparatus may receive a text corresponding to the image code through the service page according to the aforementioned method.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image code transmitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image code transmitting apparatus includes a service information generator 500, an address information generator 510, a service page generator 520, a code text generator 530, an authentication unit 540, a program update unit 550, a content storage unit 560, and a transceiver 570.
  • the service information generator 500 generates service information containing an authentication number of the requested service.
  • the service information is general service information such as online product information, authentication information, gift certificate information, or the like.
  • the authentication number is generated by the authentication unit 540 as will be described below.
  • the content storage unit 560 stores and manages information regarding image codes corresponding to a variety of services, a conversion program used in the image code receiving apparatus, customer management information, and so on.
  • the address information generator 510 When the content storage unit 560 is realized with one or more separate devices, the address information generator 510 generates address information of the content storage unit 560 storing information corresponding to a requested service. If the content storage unit 560 is included within the image code transmitting apparatus, the address information generator 510 may be omitted.
  • the service page generator 520 generates the service page, as indicated in screen 310 in FlG. 3, to be transmitted to the image code receiving apparatus by combining service information generated by the service information generator 500 and address information of the content storage unit 560 generated by the address information generator 510.
  • the transceiver 570 transmits the generated service page to the image code receiving apparatus by using an SMS/MMS or the like. If the image code receiving apparatus is a personal computer, the transceiver 570 may transmit the service page to a corresponding computer through an on-line message (e.g., MSN messenger, Nate-On, etc.) or an e-mail.
  • an on-line message e.g., MSN messenger, Nate-On, etc.
  • the image code receiving apparatus checks through the service page whether the service requested by the image code receiving apparatus has been received. Thereafter, the image code receiving apparatus accesses a content server through address information included in the service page and then receives an image code.
  • the components i.e., the service information generator 500, the address information generator 510, and the service page generator 520
  • the image code transmitting apparatus transmits a corresponding image code after the service request is received.
  • the code text generator 530 generates an image code corresponding to the requested service in a text format. That is, the code text generator 530 generates a text corresponding to code information which contains a code type and a code value of the image code assigned to the service according to a specific display format.
  • the transceiver 570 transmits the generated text to the image code receiving apparatus using an SMS/MMS.
  • the authentication unit 540 Upon receiving identification information (e.g., a phone number, an MAC, a serial number, user information, a password, etc.) of the image code receiving apparatus, the authentication unit 540 authenticates the image code receiving apparatus according to the identification information. That is, the authentication unit 540 determines whether the image code receiving apparatus has been registered to subscribe an image code transmission service of the present invention according to the identification information of the image code receiving apparatus.
  • identification information e.g., a phone number, an MAC, a serial number, user information, a password, etc.
  • the program update unit 550 Upon receiving information (e.g., an ID, a program name, a version, a manufacturer, etc.) of an image code conversion program installed in the image code receiving apparatus, the program update unit 550 compares the received information regarding the conversion program with information regarding a conversion program stored in the content storage unit 560. If the comparison result shows that both conversion programs have different information, the program update unit 550 transmits the conversion program stored in the content storage unit 560 to the image code receiving apparatus.
  • information e.g., an ID, a program name, a version, a manufacturer, etc.
  • the program update unit 550 transmits information regarding the conversion program stored in the content storage unit 560 to the image code receiving apparatus.
  • the image code receiving apparatus compares the information regarding the conversion program stored in its own storage space with the information regarding the conversion program received from the image code transmitting apparatus. If the comparison result shows that the two programs have different information or if the conversion program does not exist in it's storage space of the image code receiving apparatus, the image code receiving apparatus requests the image code transmitting apparatus to transmit the conversion program.
  • FlG. 6 is a flowchart of an image code transmitting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a subscribing user requests a specific service to a server through a user terminal having the image code receiving apparatus of the present invention (operation S600).
  • the server generates a service page corresponding to the requested service and a code text corresponding to an image code on a real time basis.
  • the server generates and stores a service page and a code text for the service in advance before the service request.
  • the user terminal receives the service page from the server using an SMS/MMS or the like (operation S610).
  • the user may request an image code assigned to the service in a text format through the service page displayed on the user terminal.
  • the user may select a code type of the image code or a specific condition (e.g., a color type of an image code to be displayed, a background screen, etc.) (operation S620).
  • the server generates the image code in a text format and then transmits the image code to the user terminal (operation S630).
  • the user terminal requests the server to transmit the latest conversion program (operation S640).
  • the server transmits the latest conversion program at the request of the user terminal (operation S645). If the conversion program has not been installed yet, the user terminal installs the received conversion program (operation S650).
  • the conversion program is automatically executed if a code text is received from the server or if the user selects the code text stored in the user terminal (operation S660). Thereafter, according to the code text, a corresponding image code is generated (operation S670), and is then displayed (operation S680).
  • the user terminal stores the received code text in a separate storage space after the code text is categorized according to a service field and then manages the code text (operation S690).
  • FlG. 7 illustrates an example of storing a code text in an image code receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image code receiving apparatus stores a received code text by classifying the received code text according to a service field and a service type.
  • the service field may be categorized as an amusement park, a membership, a discount coupon, an OK Cash Bag, a movie, and so on.
  • the image code receiving apparatus determines a service field including the received code text from the categorized service field, and then stores the code text into the determined service field.
  • the code text assigned to a service for an amusement park called Ever Land is stored in an Ever Land item in an amusement park category.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an example of service fields that can use an image transmission service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image transmission service of the present invention may be categorized as a business to customer (B2C) model and a business to business (B2B) model.
  • a B2C market may involve a performance, an entrance ticket, a gift certificate, a movie ticket, and so on.
  • a B2B market may include a mobile membership (e.g., TTL, Ting, UTO, admission ticket, etc.), a point (e.g., OK Cash Bag, a purchase point for a provider, etc.), a discount coupon (e.g., a family restaurant, a department store, etc.), an annual membership (e.g., an amusement park, a fitness center, etc.).
  • a text corresponding to the image code is transmitted, and a receiving end then receives and stores the text.
  • the receiving end generates an image code corresponding to the text and then displays the image code on a screen. Therefore, the image code can be transmitted and received with a fast speed and at a low cost.
  • An image code has conventionally been transmitted and received between mobile terminals by downloading files, which additionally cost a service fee and a packet price. However, according to the present invention, this additional cost is not applicable since the image code can be transmitted in a text format.
  • an image code can be easily transmitted through a blog, the Web, an e-mail, a messenger program, an SMS, an electronic mail box, or the like in a wireless communication environment, the image code is expected to be further widely used. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that data is further reliably transmitted using a coding method or the like as compared with a complex file downloading method.
  • the invention can also be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium.
  • the computer readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves (such as data transmission through the Internet).
  • ROM read-only memory
  • RAM random-access memory
  • CD-ROMs compact discs
  • magnetic tapes magnetic tapes
  • floppy disks optical data storage devices
  • carrier waves such as data transmission through the Internet
  • the present invention provides a method and an apparatus for receiving an image code, whereby the image code, for providing a specific service, is received in a text format instead of an image file format, and the received image code is stored and managed after being categorized according to a service type.
  • the present invention also provides a method and an apparatus for transmitting an image code, whereby a device at a receiving end is authenticated and an image code conversion program is updated when the image code, for providing a specific service, is transmitted after being converted to a text format instead of an image file format.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Provided are a method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving an image code. In the image code receiving apparatus, a specific service is requested to receive a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code assigned to the service, and the received text is stored after being categorized according to a service field. In addition, a text is generated in which code information containing the code type and the code value of the image code assigned to the requested service is displayed according to a specific display format, and the generated text is transmitted to the image code receiving apparatus. Accordingly, the image code can be transmitted in a text format having a small packet size, and the received image code is stored after being categorized according to a service type, so that a user can easily search for the stored image code.

Description

Description METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING/
RECEIVING IMAGE CODE
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving an image code, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for transmitting image codes corresponding to a variety of services to a personal mobile terminal. Background Art
[2] Due to the advance of the mobile computing environment, mobile devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia player (PMPs), MP3 players, and digital cameras are being widely used. Instead of providing one function, such mobile devices tend to provide a variety of functions by combining and integrating a plurality of functions. In particular, devices, such as a cell phone, a PDA, and a PMP, are multi-functional high performance devices that provide a variety of functions, for example, store large size data or explore multimedia contents as well as function as a camera.
[3] With the development of the mobile device, the mobile device uses an interface technique in which an image is read by a mobile computing device to extract information regarding the image, and the extracted information is used to access an external computer or a server connected to a network in order to receive a specific service.
[4] In addition, an authentication technique or an e-commerce technique has been developed in which an image is displayed on a screen of the mobile computing device, and a camera or a scanner of another device reads the image.
[5] Conventionally, the image displayed on the screen of the mobile computing device is an image code and some examples of the image code include a barcode, a 2-dimensional (2D) barcode, and a color code. The use of the image code displayed on the mobile computing device such as a cell phone or a PDA advantageously results in a variety of services such as a coupon authentication service, a discount service, a user authentication service, a security service, etc.
[6] The mobile computing device downloads the image code in an image file format, which has a relatively large data size in comparison to a text file format. Therefore, a cost for downloading the image code is relatively high based on a packet-based billing system.
[7] Moreover, image distortion may occur during the downloading of the image code if the characteristics of the mobile computing device (e.g., distortion possibility caused by a display resolution, a maximum number of displayable colors, etc.) are not proper for the image code. Furthermore, the downloaded file of the image code is simply stored in a storage space where other image files are also stored, and thereby, obstructing a systematic storage space management. Therefore, it is difficult to re-use the storage space. In addition, there is a demerit in that a lot of storage space is used when an image code with a large data size is stored. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[8] The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for receiving an image code, whereby the image code, for providing a specific service, is received in a text format instead of an image file format, and the received image code is stored and managed after being categorized according to a service type.
[9] The present invention also provides a method and an apparatus for transmitting an image code, whereby a device at a receiving end is authenticated and an image code conversion program is updated when the image code, for providing a specific service, is transmitted after being converted to a text format instead of an image file format. Technical Solution
[10] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image code receiving apparatus comprising: a service request unit which request a specific service; a code text receiver which receives a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and a storage unit which determines a service field indicated by the text based on the code value of the received text, and thereafter, stores the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
[11] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image code receiving method comprising: requesting a specific service; receiving a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and determining a service field indicated by the text according to the code value of the received text, and thereafter, storing the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
[12] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image code transmitting apparatus comprising: a code text generator which generates a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and a program update unit which compares a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmits the latest conversion program to the user terminal. [13] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image code transmitting method comprising: generating a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code assigned to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and comparing a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmitting the latest version of a conversion program to the user terminal. Advantageous Effects
[14] According to the present invention, instead of transmitting an image code itself composed of a complex color pattern, a text corresponding to the image code is transmitted, and a receiving end then receives and stores the text. Alternatively, the receiving end generates an image code corresponding to the text and then displays the image code on a screen. Therefore, the image code can be transmitted and received with a fast speed and at a low cost.
[15] In addition, since data is transmitted in a text format and not an image file format, the size of data to be transmitted is small. This enables fast communication, and thus, an image code can be relatively reliably transmitted even in an environment where wireless communication is not smoothly achieved. According to the characteristics of a user terminal, an image code may be properly displayed or stored. Various types of image codes may be used widely to provide services.
[16] An image code has conventionally been transmitted and received between mobile terminals by downloading files, which additionally cost a service fee and a packet price. However, according to the present invention, this additional cost is not applicable since the image code can be transmitted in a text format.
[17] In addition, according to the present invention, since an image code can be easily transmitted through a blog, the Web, an e-mail, a messenger program, an SMS, an electronic mail box, or the like in a wireless communication environment, the image code is expected to be further widely used. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that data is further reliably transmitted using a coding method or the like as compared with a complex file downloading method. Description of Drawings
[18] FIGS. IA to IE illustrate examples of an image code;
[19] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a usage of an image code received through a cell phone;
[20] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an image code transmitting method according to an embodiment of the present invention; [21] FlG. 4 is a block diagram of an image code receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[22] FlG. 5 is a block diagram of an image code transmitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[23] FlG. 6 is a flowchart of an image code transmitting method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[24] FlG. 7 illustrates an example of storing a code text in an image code receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[25] FlG. 8 illustrates an example of service fields that can use an image transmission service according to an embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode
[26] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image code receiving apparatus comprising: a service request unit which request a specific service; a code text receiver which receives a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and a storage unit which determines a service field indicated by the text based on the code value of the received text, and thereafter, stores the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
[27] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image code receiving method comprising: requesting a specific service; receiving a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and determining a service field indicated by the text according to the code value of the received text, and thereafter, storing the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
[28] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image code transmitting apparatus comprising: a code text generator which generates a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and a program update unit which compares a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmits the latest conversion program to the user terminal.
[29] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image code transmitting method comprising: generating a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code assigned to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and comparing a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmitting the latest version of a conversion program to the user terminal. Mode for Invention
[30] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[31] FIGS. IA to IE illustrate examples of an image code.
[32] Specifically, FIG. IA illustrates a data matrix. FIG. IB illustrates a quick response
(QR) code. FIG. 1C illustrates a portable document format (PDF)-417 code. HG. ID illustrates a color code and a gray code. FIG. IE illustrates a mixed code generated by overlaying a color code and a QR code. The present invention is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. IA to IE, and thus, other conventional image codes may be used such as a barcode, an inter-code, a cyber code, or the like. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to an image code, and thus, all types of images that can be displayed in a specific text format may be used, that is, a logo image or various pictures may be used. For convenience of description, the following descriptions assume that an image code is transmitted.
[33] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a usage of an image code received through a cell phone.
[34] Referring to FlG. 2, when a user wants to buy an amusement park ticket by a mobile payment, a service page 200 provided by a corresponding server is accessed using a cell phone, and an OK button on the service page 200 is pressed so that a mobile ticket composed of an image code is downloaded to the cell phone, as indicated by screen 210, at the same time that the amusement park ticket has been paid. The downloaded image code may be immediately displayed on a screen of the cell phone, or may be stored in the cell phone for future use, as seen on screen 220.
[35] The mobile ticket is stored in a storage space of the cell phone, such as a picture folder, along with other conventional images. Therefore, if the user searches for a desired mobile ticket to use the desired mobile ticket, all images stored in the picture folder have to be sequentially searched, which is inconvenient to the user. Furthermore, if an image code corresponding to the mobile ticket (or a mobile ticket itself) is directly received from a server, traffic may increase in an environment of packet-based communication due to a large sized image file. In order to solve this problem, an image code transmitting method as illustrated in FIG. 3. is applied.
[36] FlG. 3 illustrates an example of the image code transmitting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[37] Referring to FIG. 3, when a user wants to buy an amusement park ticket by a mobile payment, as described in FlG. 2, a service is selected by accessing a corresponding server, as indicated by screen 300 in FlG. 3. The corresponding server then transmits to a cell phone of the user a service page containing an authentication number (e.g., a purchase number of the amusement park ticket) of a corresponding service using a short message service (SMS) or a multimedia message service (MMS), as indicated by screen 310 in FlG. 3.
[38] The user can check the service information displayed on the service page and then can press an OK button so as to request the server to transmit an image code corresponding to the desired service. The server transmits the image code to the cell phone of the user in a text format, instead of transmitting the image code itself, corresponding to the service requested by the user.
[39] An additional content server may be used to generate and store information regarding a service and a text corresponding to an image code assigned to the service. In this case, the service page includes an address of the content server that is accessed by the cell phone according to the address included in the service page, and thus, a text corresponding to the image code is requested.
[40] A program for converting a text to an image code is embedded in the cell phone. If the program does not exit in the cell phone, the program may be downloaded from a server on a real time basis. A program having a latest version of the program for converting a text to an image code may also be downloaded from the server.
[41] The cell phone displays the text received using the downloaded program on the screen. Alternatively, the cell phone stores the received text in an additional storage space of the cell phone, and thereafter, optionally displays the text on the screen.
[42] FlG. 4 is a block diagram of an image code receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[43] Referring to FlG. 4, the image code receiving apparatus includes a service request unit 400, a code text receiver 410, a storage unit 420, a code image generator 430, and a display unit 440. The image code receiving apparatus may be used for a variety of personal mobile terminals such as cell phones, computers, PDAs, and PMPs.
[44] The service request unit 400 accesses a server to request a specific service (e.g., a mobile ticket issuance for an amusement park, a cinema, etc.). Specifically, upon requesting the service, the service request unit 400 receives a service page correspon ding to the service from the server and displays the service. When the user requests a text corresponding to an image code assigned to the service through the service page, the service request unit 400 requests the server to transmit a code text. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the text corresponding to the image code assigned to the service may be directly received from the server without receiving the service page.
[45] The service page may include an address of a content server providing the text corresponding to the image code. In this case, the service request unit 400 accesses the content server to request the text according to the address included in the service page. [46] The service request unit 400 may transmit program information to the server (e.g., an identification (ID), a program name, a version, a manufacturer, etc.) for updating a conversion program converting a text to an image code along with identification information of the image code receiving apparatus (e.g., a phone number, a media access control (MAC) address, a serial number, user information, a password, etc.), wherein the identification information is used for authentication at the request of service.
[47] In addition, while requesting the service, the service request unit 400 transmits image code feature information to the server, and the image code feature information contains a code type and color information of an image code to be received. Thus, the image code can be transmitted according to a preference of a user.
[48] The code text receiver 410 receives the image code corresponding to the requested service in a text format instead of receiving the image code itself. That is, the code text receiver 410 receives the code text in which information (e.g., a code type, a code version, a code value, a code color, background screen information of the image code, etc.) is displayed according to a specific display format. A method of receiving an image code converted to a text is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 2006-36358 (System and method for transmitting image code using text).
[49] The storage unit 420 stores the code text received by the code text receiver 410 according to a name, a time, and a user-defined format. The storage unit 420 analyzes the received code text to determine a service field, a validity period of service, and then classifies the received code text according to a classification method selected by the user and stores the code text. If the server transmits the code text by appending additional service information, the storage unit 420 may read the additional information to perform a required classification operation. The service information is general information related to a service. Examples of the service information include information regarding an on-line product, an authentication, a gift certificate, a ticket, a discount coupon, a membership, an event, a product usage, a validity period, a user permission, and so on.
[50] For example, the storage unit 420 analyzes a code value of the received code text or receives service information transmitted from the server along with the code text so as to determine information such as a service name of the code text, a service validity period, a date, a frequency of use, a type of service information or the like. Then, according to the determined information, the code text is arranged and stored. The user may rearrange the code text by changing the way of arranging the code text. A search function is provided so that the user can easily use the service.
[51] Preferably, the storage unit 420 stores the code text in a text format in consideration of a storage space. However, the code text may be stored after being converted to an image code corresponding to the code text. An example of a code text stored in a cell phone after being categorized according to a service field is shown in FlG. 7.
[52] The code image generator 430 may convert the code text received by the code text receiver 410 to an image code or may convert a code text, which is selected by the user from the code texts stored in the storage unit 420, to an image code. In this case, the code image generator 430 generates an optimal image code according to environment information (e.g., resolution, color display ability, an image displayable area, etc.) of the image code receiving apparatus.
[53] The display unit 440 displays the image code generated by the code image generator
430 on a screen. In addition to displaying the image code on the screen of the image code receiving apparatus, the display unit 440 may display the image code on a display of an external device that is wired or wirelessly connected such as a television (TV) set, a monitor, an electronic bulletin board, a beam projector, or the like. Alternatively, the display unit 440 may be connected to a variety of printing devices so as to print the image code on a physical medium such as a metal medium or a plastic medium.
[54] The storage unit 420 and the code image generator 430 may be realized using a conversion program. In the absence of the conversion program, the image code receiving apparatus downloads the conversion program from the server. Even when the conversion program exists, latest version information of the conversion program may be transmitted to the server so that the latest conversion program can be downloaded from the server.
[55] Upon receiving a service page, the image code receiving apparatus may store the service page or may transmit the service page to another new image code receiving apparatus using an SMS/MMS. After receiving the service page, the new image code receiving apparatus may receive a text corresponding to the image code through the service page according to the aforementioned method.
[56] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image code transmitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[57] Referring to FIG. 5, the image code transmitting apparatus includes a service information generator 500, an address information generator 510, a service page generator 520, a code text generator 530, an authentication unit 540, a program update unit 550, a content storage unit 560, and a transceiver 570.
[58] Upon receiving a specific service request from the image code receiving apparatus
(see FIG. 4), the service information generator 500 generates service information containing an authentication number of the requested service. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the service information is general service information such as online product information, authentication information, gift certificate information, or the like. According to an authentication result of the image code receiving apparatus, the authentication number is generated by the authentication unit 540 as will be described below.
[59] The content storage unit 560 stores and manages information regarding image codes corresponding to a variety of services, a conversion program used in the image code receiving apparatus, customer management information, and so on. When the content storage unit 560 is realized with one or more separate devices, the address information generator 510 generates address information of the content storage unit 560 storing information corresponding to a requested service. If the content storage unit 560 is included within the image code transmitting apparatus, the address information generator 510 may be omitted.
[60] The service page generator 520 generates the service page, as indicated in screen 310 in FlG. 3, to be transmitted to the image code receiving apparatus by combining service information generated by the service information generator 500 and address information of the content storage unit 560 generated by the address information generator 510.
[61] The transceiver 570 transmits the generated service page to the image code receiving apparatus by using an SMS/MMS or the like. If the image code receiving apparatus is a personal computer, the transceiver 570 may transmit the service page to a corresponding computer through an on-line message (e.g., MSN messenger, Nate-On, etc.) or an e-mail.
[62] The image code receiving apparatus checks through the service page whether the service requested by the image code receiving apparatus has been received. Thereafter, the image code receiving apparatus accesses a content server through address information included in the service page and then receives an image code.
[63] The components (i.e., the service information generator 500, the address information generator 510, and the service page generator 520) that transmit a service page including service information may be omitted according to an embodiment of the present invention. If these components are omitted, the image code transmitting apparatus transmits a corresponding image code after the service request is received.
[64] The code text generator 530 generates an image code corresponding to the requested service in a text format. That is, the code text generator 530 generates a text corresponding to code information which contains a code type and a code value of the image code assigned to the service according to a specific display format. The transceiver 570 transmits the generated text to the image code receiving apparatus using an SMS/MMS.
[65] Upon receiving identification information (e.g., a phone number, an MAC, a serial number, user information, a password, etc.) of the image code receiving apparatus, the authentication unit 540 authenticates the image code receiving apparatus according to the identification information. That is, the authentication unit 540 determines whether the image code receiving apparatus has been registered to subscribe an image code transmission service of the present invention according to the identification information of the image code receiving apparatus.
[66] Upon receiving information (e.g., an ID, a program name, a version, a manufacturer, etc.) of an image code conversion program installed in the image code receiving apparatus, the program update unit 550 compares the received information regarding the conversion program with information regarding a conversion program stored in the content storage unit 560. If the comparison result shows that both conversion programs have different information, the program update unit 550 transmits the conversion program stored in the content storage unit 560 to the image code receiving apparatus.
[67] Alternatively, the program update unit 550 transmits information regarding the conversion program stored in the content storage unit 560 to the image code receiving apparatus. The image code receiving apparatus then compares the information regarding the conversion program stored in its own storage space with the information regarding the conversion program received from the image code transmitting apparatus. If the comparison result shows that the two programs have different information or if the conversion program does not exist in it's storage space of the image code receiving apparatus, the image code receiving apparatus requests the image code transmitting apparatus to transmit the conversion program.
[68] FlG. 6 is a flowchart of an image code transmitting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[69] Referring to FlG. 6, a subscribing user requests a specific service to a server through a user terminal having the image code receiving apparatus of the present invention (operation S600). The server generates a service page corresponding to the requested service and a code text corresponding to an image code on a real time basis. Alt ernatively, the server generates and stores a service page and a code text for the service in advance before the service request.
[70] The user terminal receives the service page from the server using an SMS/MMS or the like (operation S610). The user may request an image code assigned to the service in a text format through the service page displayed on the user terminal. In this case, the user may select a code type of the image code or a specific condition (e.g., a color type of an image code to be displayed, a background screen, etc.) (operation S620).
[71] If an image code assigned to the service is requested from the user terminal
(including a specific condition such as a code type of an image code), the server generates the image code in a text format and then transmits the image code to the user terminal (operation S630).
[72] If a conversion program is not installed or if the installed conversion program is an old version program, the user terminal requests the server to transmit the latest conversion program (operation S640). The server transmits the latest conversion program at the request of the user terminal (operation S645). If the conversion program has not been installed yet, the user terminal installs the received conversion program (operation S650).
[73] The conversion program is automatically executed if a code text is received from the server or if the user selects the code text stored in the user terminal (operation S660). Thereafter, according to the code text, a corresponding image code is generated (operation S670), and is then displayed (operation S680). The user terminal stores the received code text in a separate storage space after the code text is categorized according to a service field and then manages the code text (operation S690).
[74] FlG. 7 illustrates an example of storing a code text in an image code receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[75] Referring to FlG. 7, the image code receiving apparatus stores a received code text by classifying the received code text according to a service field and a service type. For example, the service field may be categorized as an amusement park, a membership, a discount coupon, an OK Cash Bag, a movie, and so on. Then, the image code receiving apparatus determines a service field including the received code text from the categorized service field, and then stores the code text into the determined service field. Thus, the code text assigned to a service for an amusement park called Ever Land is stored in an Ever Land item in an amusement park category.
[76] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of service fields that can use an image transmission service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[77] Referring to FIG. 8, the image transmission service of the present invention may be categorized as a business to customer (B2C) model and a business to business (B2B) model.
[78] A B2C market may involve a performance, an entrance ticket, a gift certificate, a movie ticket, and so on. A B2B market may include a mobile membership (e.g., TTL, Ting, UTO, admission ticket, etc.), a point (e.g., OK Cash Bag, a purchase point for a provider, etc.), a discount coupon (e.g., a family restaurant, a department store, etc.), an annual membership (e.g., an amusement park, a fitness center, etc.).
[79] According to the present invention, instead of transmitting an image code itself composed of a complex color pattern, a text corresponding to the image code is transmitted, and a receiving end then receives and stores the text. Alternatively, the receiving end generates an image code corresponding to the text and then displays the image code on a screen. Therefore, the image code can be transmitted and received with a fast speed and at a low cost.
[80] In addition, since data is transmitted in a text format and not an image file format, the size of data to be transmitted is small. This enables fast communication, and thus, an image code can be relatively reliably transmitted even in an environment where wireless communication is not smoothly achieved. According to the characteristics of a user terminal, an image code may be properly displayed or stored. Various types of image codes may be used widely to provide services.
[81] An image code has conventionally been transmitted and received between mobile terminals by downloading files, which additionally cost a service fee and a packet price. However, according to the present invention, this additional cost is not applicable since the image code can be transmitted in a text format.
[82] In addition, according to the present invention, since an image code can be easily transmitted through a blog, the Web, an e-mail, a messenger program, an SMS, an electronic mail box, or the like in a wireless communication environment, the image code is expected to be further widely used. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that data is further reliably transmitted using a coding method or the like as compared with a complex file downloading method.
[83] The invention can also be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. The computer readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves (such as data transmission through the Internet). The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
[84] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The exemplary embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention. Industrial Applicability
[85] The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for receiving an image code, whereby the image code, for providing a specific service, is received in a text format instead of an image file format, and the received image code is stored and managed after being categorized according to a service type.
[86] The present invention also provides a method and an apparatus for transmitting an image code, whereby a device at a receiving end is authenticated and an image code conversion program is updated when the image code, for providing a specific service, is transmitted after being converted to a text format instead of an image file format.

Claims

Claims
[1] An image code receiving apparatus comprising: a service request unit which request a specific service; a code text receiver which receives a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and a storage unit which determines a service field indicated by the text based on the code value of the received text, and thereafter, stores the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
[2] The image code receiving apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a code image generator which generates an image code according to the code type and the code value of the image code included in the text; and a display unit which displays the image code.
[3] The image code receiving apparatus of claim 2, wherein the code image generator optimizes the image code according to characteristics information regarding a resolution and a displayable color of a screen.
[4] The image code receiving apparatus of claim 1, wherein the service request unit transmits the service request along with feature information of the image code containing the code type of the image code selected according to a preference of a user, and the image code corresponding to the service is generated according to the feature information of the image code.
[5] The image code receiving apparatus of claim 1, wherein the service request unit receives a service page containing service information after the service is requested, and requests a text corresponding to the service through the service page.
[6] An image code receiving method comprising: requesting a specific service; receiving a text containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to the service; and determining a service field indicated by the text according to the code value of the received text, and thereafter, storing the text after categorizing the text according to the service field.
[7] The image code receiving method of claim 6, further comprising: generating an image code according to the code type and the code value of the image code included in the text; and displaying the image code.
[8] The image code receiving method of claim 7, wherein the generating of an image code comprises optimizing the image code according to characteristics in- formation regarding a resolution and a displayable color of a screen.
[9] The image code receiving method of claim 6, wherein, in the requesting of a specific service, the service request is transmitted along with feature information of the image code containing the code type of the image code selected according to a preference of a user, and the image code assigned to the service is generated according to the feature information of the image code.
[10] The image code receiving method of claim 6, wherein the requesting of a specific service comprises receiving a service page containing service information after the service is requested, and requesting a text corresponding to the service through the service page.
[11] An image code transmitting apparatus comprising: a code text generator which generates a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code corresponding to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and a program update unit which compares a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmits the latest conversion program to the user terminal.
[12] The image code transmitting apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a service information generator which generates service information containing an authentication number for the service upon receiving a service request from the user terminal; an address information generator which generates an address of a content server containing an image code assigned to the service; and a service page generator which generates a service page obtained by combining the service information and the address information, and transmits the service page to the user terminal.
[13] The image code transmitting apparatus of claim 11, further comprising an authentication unit which receives unique information of the user terminal to authenticate the user terminal.
[14] An image code transmitting method comprising: generating a text in which code information containing a code type and a code value of an image code assigned to a service requested by a user terminal is displayed according to a specific display format; and comparing a version of a conversion program that is installed in the user terminal to convert a text to an image code with a version of a conversion program stored in its own storage space, and transmitting the latest version of a conversion program to the user terminal. [15] The image code transmitting method of claim 14, further comprising: generating service information containing an authentication number for the service upon receiving a service request from the user terminal; generating an address of a content server containing an image code assigned to the service; and generating a service page obtained by combining the service information and the address information, and transmitting the service page to the user terminal. [16] The image code transmitting method of claim 14, further comprising, receiving unique information of the user terminal to authenticate the user terminal.
PCT/KR2007/002623 2006-05-30 2007-05-30 Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving image code WO2007139348A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020060049019A KR100766591B1 (en) 2006-05-30 2006-05-30 Apparatus for transmitting/receivng an image code and method therefor
KR10-2006-0049019 2006-05-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007139348A1 true WO2007139348A1 (en) 2007-12-06

Family

ID=38778820

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2007/002623 WO2007139348A1 (en) 2006-05-30 2007-05-30 Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving image code

Country Status (2)

Country Link
KR (1) KR100766591B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007139348A1 (en)

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2475837A (en) * 2009-11-30 2011-06-08 Tyntec Ltd Electronic ticketing using mobile devices
US8155679B2 (en) 2005-12-23 2012-04-10 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for peer-to peer advertising between mobile communication devices
US20120296828A1 (en) * 2011-03-11 2012-11-22 Bytemark, Inc. Method and System for Distributing Electronic Tickets with Visual Display
US8438055B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2013-05-07 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for providing endorsed advertisements and testimonials between communication devices
US8452646B2 (en) 2005-12-23 2013-05-28 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for providing endorsed electronic offers between communication devices
CN103295045A (en) * 2013-06-07 2013-09-11 上海伊诺尔防伪技术有限公司 Color logic discoloring two-dimensional code and generating method thereof
US9314697B2 (en) 2013-07-26 2016-04-19 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for advertising distribution through mobile social gaming
US9792604B2 (en) 2014-12-19 2017-10-17 moovel North Americ, LLC Method and system for dynamically interactive visually validated mobile ticketing
US9814985B2 (en) 2013-07-26 2017-11-14 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for advertising distribution through mobile social gaming
US9881260B2 (en) 2012-10-03 2018-01-30 Moovel North America, Llc Mobile ticketing
US9881433B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2018-01-30 Bytemark, Inc. Systems and methods for electronic ticket validation using proximity detection
US10089606B2 (en) 2011-02-11 2018-10-02 Bytemark, Inc. System and method for trusted mobile device payment
US10354280B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2019-07-16 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for distribution of targeted advertising between mobile communication devices
US10360567B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2019-07-23 Bytemark, Inc. Method and system for distributing electronic tickets with data integrity checking
US10373431B2 (en) 2013-07-26 2019-08-06 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for advertising distribution through mobile social gaming
US10375573B2 (en) 2015-08-17 2019-08-06 Bytemark, Inc. Short range wireless translation methods and systems for hands-free fare validation
US10453067B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2019-10-22 Bytemark, Inc. Short range wireless translation methods and systems for hands-free fare validation
US10755313B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2020-08-25 Andrew Levi System and method for distribution of targeted content between mobile communication devices
US11556863B2 (en) 2011-05-18 2023-01-17 Bytemark, Inc. Method and system for distributing electronic tickets with visual display for verification
US11803784B2 (en) 2015-08-17 2023-10-31 Siemens Mobility, Inc. Sensor fusion for transit applications

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101209431B1 (en) 2010-10-08 2012-12-12 김준규 Encrypted images, and mobile devices using device-specific information to an e-ticket services and the system
KR101789096B1 (en) 2011-02-10 2017-10-23 삼성전자주식회사 Apparatus and method for managing mobile commerce information in portable terminal

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003122875A (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-04-25 Denso Corp Mobile ticket system and system control method
US20030172037A1 (en) * 2002-03-07 2003-09-11 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for purchasing and authentificating electronic tickets
KR20050097113A (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-07 엘지전자 주식회사 Mms contents transmitting method

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20060133154A (en) * 2005-06-20 2006-12-26 주식회사 팬택 Method for transferring contents and mobile phone implementing the same

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003122875A (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-04-25 Denso Corp Mobile ticket system and system control method
US20030172037A1 (en) * 2002-03-07 2003-09-11 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for purchasing and authentificating electronic tickets
KR20050097113A (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-07 엘지전자 주식회사 Mms contents transmitting method

Cited By (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10755313B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2020-08-25 Andrew Levi System and method for distribution of targeted content between mobile communication devices
US8438055B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2013-05-07 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for providing endorsed advertisements and testimonials between communication devices
US8457670B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2013-06-04 Blue Calypso System and method for peer-to-peer advertising between mobile communication devices
US10354280B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2019-07-16 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for distribution of targeted advertising between mobile communication devices
US8155679B2 (en) 2005-12-23 2012-04-10 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for peer-to peer advertising between mobile communication devices
US8452646B2 (en) 2005-12-23 2013-05-28 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for providing endorsed electronic offers between communication devices
GB2475837A (en) * 2009-11-30 2011-06-08 Tyntec Ltd Electronic ticketing using mobile devices
US10089606B2 (en) 2011-02-11 2018-10-02 Bytemark, Inc. System and method for trusted mobile device payment
US10360567B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2019-07-23 Bytemark, Inc. Method and system for distributing electronic tickets with data integrity checking
US10346764B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2019-07-09 Bytemark, Inc. Method and system for distributing electronic tickets with visual display for verification
US20120296828A1 (en) * 2011-03-11 2012-11-22 Bytemark, Inc. Method and System for Distributing Electronic Tickets with Visual Display
US10453067B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2019-10-22 Bytemark, Inc. Short range wireless translation methods and systems for hands-free fare validation
US9239993B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2016-01-19 Bytemark, Inc. Method and system for distributing electronic tickets with visual display
US9881433B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2018-01-30 Bytemark, Inc. Systems and methods for electronic ticket validation using proximity detection
US8494967B2 (en) * 2011-03-11 2013-07-23 Bytemark, Inc. Method and system for distributing electronic tickets with visual display
US11556863B2 (en) 2011-05-18 2023-01-17 Bytemark, Inc. Method and system for distributing electronic tickets with visual display for verification
US9881260B2 (en) 2012-10-03 2018-01-30 Moovel North America, Llc Mobile ticketing
CN103295045A (en) * 2013-06-07 2013-09-11 上海伊诺尔防伪技术有限公司 Color logic discoloring two-dimensional code and generating method thereof
CN103295045B (en) * 2013-06-07 2015-12-23 上海伊诺尔防伪技术有限公司 One dazzles color logic variable color Quick Response Code and generation method thereof
US10373431B2 (en) 2013-07-26 2019-08-06 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for advertising distribution through mobile social gaming
US9814985B2 (en) 2013-07-26 2017-11-14 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for advertising distribution through mobile social gaming
US9314697B2 (en) 2013-07-26 2016-04-19 Blue Calypso, Llc System and method for advertising distribution through mobile social gaming
US10762733B2 (en) 2013-09-26 2020-09-01 Bytemark, Inc. Method and system for electronic ticket validation using proximity detection
US9792604B2 (en) 2014-12-19 2017-10-17 moovel North Americ, LLC Method and system for dynamically interactive visually validated mobile ticketing
US10375573B2 (en) 2015-08-17 2019-08-06 Bytemark, Inc. Short range wireless translation methods and systems for hands-free fare validation
US11323881B2 (en) 2015-08-17 2022-05-03 Bytemark Inc. Short range wireless translation methods and systems for hands-free fare validation
US11803784B2 (en) 2015-08-17 2023-10-31 Siemens Mobility, Inc. Sensor fusion for transit applications

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR100766591B1 (en) 2007-10-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2007139348A1 (en) Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving image code
KR100963350B1 (en) Information providing system using code information
JP4166503B2 (en) Information processing system based on identification code
KR101557175B1 (en) System and method for receiving requests for tasks from unregistered devices
CA2785841C (en) System, server device, method, program, and recording medium for that facilitate user authentication
US7613443B2 (en) Contents and information providing service system for using a code, user terminal, communication agency platform, operating agency platform, on-line relation member module, and the method from the same
US20070021969A1 (en) Mobile electronic transaction system, device and method therefor
US20060065733A1 (en) Method for providing mobile service using code-pattern
US20040030658A1 (en) Electronic ticket, system for issuing electronic tickets, and devices for using and performing operations on electronic tickets
KR20030072852A (en) system and method for purchasing and validating electronic tickets
US20020077987A1 (en) Contents distribution system
CN102821157A (en) Method and device for adopting bar code images for communication
WO2002056580A1 (en) Contents directory service system
JP2014534649A (en) Method, apparatus, and mobile terminal for performing communication using barcode image
ZA200503057B (en) Optimised messages containing barcode information for mobile receivng device
JP2004140502A (en) Method for requesting delivering, method for delivering, method for transmitting data, method for processing data, method for using data, method for inputting data, and communication network system
JP4152293B2 (en) Information provision system using code information
US20080195409A1 (en) Data processing
JP6898680B2 (en) Information processing equipment and programs
US8086715B2 (en) Apparatus for providing digital contents and method thereof
JP2005235035A (en) Server device, printer, print system, print method, program and storage medium
US20120101943A1 (en) E-wallet service method based on a waiting screen application
WO2021007668A1 (en) Method and apparatus for sharing content data between networked devices
NZ521776A (en) Charge system for use of two-dimensional code
JP2008269306A (en) Advertisement information providing system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07746770

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07746770

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1